Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Jurist · Economist · Philosopher · Social Reformer · Architect of the Indian Constitution
Ambedkar held three doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics, a Bar-at-Law from Gray's Inn, published three decades of periodicals, and produced a body of work across economics, constitutional law, history of religion, and social philosophy that remains unequalled in its breadth among Indian thinkers of his era.
16 major works — spanning monetary economics, constitutional theory, history of religion, and social philosophy. All sources cited to publishers and editions.
Annihilation of Caste
Prepared as a presidential address for the Jat-Pat-Todak Mandal conference in Lahore, cancelled after organisers objected to its content. Ambedkar published it himself. Argues caste cannot be reformed but must be annihilated, rooting its persistence in the authority of the Shastras.
Source: Self-published, Ambedkar (1936); republished Verso Books (2014) with intro by S. Anand
The Buddha and His Dhamma
Completed days before his death on 6 December 1956. Presents the Buddha's teaching as rational, humanist social ethics — not metaphysics or ritual. Treats the Four Noble Truths not as pessimism but as a diagnosis of social suffering. Foundational text of the Navayana Buddhist movement.
Source: Published posthumously by the People's Education Society, Bombay, 1957
Who Were the Shudras?
Argues Shudras were originally Kshatriyas who fell from favour with Brahmin priests and were demoted in the varna hierarchy. Uses Vedic and Sanskrit texts to challenge Brahminical historiography. Dedicated to Jyotirao Phule, acknowledged as his intellectual predecessor.
Source: Thacker & Co., Bombay, 1946
The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables?
Sequel to 'Who Were the Shudras?' Argues untouchables were originally broken-men (tribal communities) outside village settlements who refused to abandon beef-eating after Buddhism's decline, leading to their stigmatisation by the triumphant Brahminical order.
Source: Amrit Book Co., New Delhi, 1948
Pakistan or the Partition of India
A rigorous political and historical analysis of the demand for Pakistan. Neither simply pro- nor anti-Partition, it examines communal history, constitutional options, and implications for minorities on both sides. Considered analytically superior to most contemporary treatments.
Source: Thacker & Co., Bombay, 1940 (revised 1945)
States and Minorities
Presented to the Constituent Assembly as a draft constitution for protecting minority rights. Advocated for state socialism, fundamental rights, and constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Castes. Several provisions were incorporated into the Constitution.
Source: Submitted as a memorandum to the Constituent Assembly on behalf of the Scheduled Castes Federation, 1947
What Congress and Gandhi Have Done to the Untouchables
A point-by-point refutation of Congress's claims to represent untouchables. Documents the Poona Pact's political betrayal, Congress's selective reforms, and Gandhi's paternalistic 'Harijan' politics which Ambedkar argued perpetuated rather than dismantled caste.
Source: Thacker & Co., Bombay, 1945
Ranade, Gandhi and Jinnah
Address delivered on the 101st birthday anniversary of Mahadev Govind Ranade. Compares Ranade's reformism, Gandhi's conservatism on caste, and Jinnah's communalism. Praises Ranade's willingness to engage social reform unlike Gandhi who kept it separate from politics.
Source: Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Poona, 1943
Riddles in Hinduism
A forensic critique of Hindu texts, mythology, and theology. Examines contradictions in the Vedas, Puranas, and Gita. Shows how Hindu philosophy served to legitimise social hierarchy. Suppressed for decades; finally published in 1987 after public pressure.
Source: Volume 4, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches (Government of Maharashtra); written c.1954–56
Revolution and Counter-Revolution in Ancient India
Argues that the rise of Brahminism in post-Mauryan India was a counter-revolution against the egalitarianism of Buddhism. Documents how Brahminical texts replaced Buddhist ethics with caste hierarchy.
Source: Volume 3, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches (Government of Maharashtra)
Philosophy of Hinduism
Argues Hinduism as a system of thought is fundamentally incompatible with equality and liberty because its philosophical architecture is built on the legitimisation of graded inequality.
Source: Volume 3, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches (Government of Maharashtra)
Thoughts on Linguistic States
A critical examination of the States Reorganisation Commission's recommendations. Supported linguistic states in principle but warned about potential majoritarian oppression of minorities — especially Dalits — within newly formed states.
Source: Published by Ambedkar, New Delhi, 1955
The Rise and Fall of Hindu Women
Traces how Hindu women's status declined through Manusmriti-based laws, arguing their subjugation was intrinsic to the varna/caste order. Connected the oppression of women and Dalits as structurally linked.
Source: Published in 'The Mahabodhi', Journal of the Maha Bodhi Society, 1950
The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution
Advocates for a gold standard for the rupee and criticises the silver exchange standard. Later cited as influential in the conceptual foundations of the Reserve Bank of India. Demonstrates his training under Edwin Cannan at the LSE.
Source: P.S. King & Son, London, 1923 (D.Sc. thesis submitted to LSE)
The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India
His LSE doctoral thesis examining the evolution of central-provincial fiscal relations under British rule. A technical economics text demonstrating Ambedkar's mastery of public finance.
Source: P.S. King & Son, London, 1925 (D.Sc. thesis, London School of Economics, 1921)
Mr. Gandhi and the Emancipation of the Untouchables
Responds to Gandhi's post-fast claims about untouchability. Argues Gandhi's opposition to separate electorates denied Dalits independent political representation and served upper-caste Congress interests.
Source: Published by Ambedkar, Bombay, 1943